Swiss Chard

As a biennial plant, Swiss Chard takes longer to come to seed and can be considered a more advanced seed-crop. It is hardier than some other biennial plants and can survive being left outside through the winter,  making it a good choice for your first biennial seed plant.

Germination
If growing outdoors for seed collection, sow in August - September, and add mulch if necessary to keep warm through the winter. When last frost passes in the spring, thin or transplant into rows three feet apart with one foot spacing between plants.

Sow seeds 0.5" deep in full sun. Seeds will germinate at temperatures of 55-80° F. Allow 10 days for germination.

Pollination
Swiss Chard flowers are cross-pollinated by wind.

Swiss chard is a variety of Beta Vulgaris, and can cross-breed with any beet grown within 5 miles. It is therefore recommended that if either plant is being grown for seed, the gardener take steps to isolate them. Outdoors, this can be achieved by securing a large water-resistant paper bag over multiple stalks. Near the opening of the bag, wrap the stalks with cotton batting. Staple the bag shut and tie or tape it to the batting. If your garden doesn't receive much wind, gently jostle the bag to move the pollen between plants.

Seed Collection
   Seeds will turn brown at maturity. Once a plant has some fully mature seeds, cut the entire stalk and hang upside-down indoors until dry. It should be easy to strip the seed balls from the branches once the plant is dry.